sacramentals

Holy Mother Church has, moreover, instituted sacramentals. These are sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments. They signify effects, particularly of a spiritual nature, which are obtained through the intercession of the Church. By them men are disposed to receive the chief effect of the sacraments, and various occasions in life are rendered holy.

The use of sacramentals is a part of every priest’s competence. Their power depends on the priest’s personal belief and the cooperation of the person accepting the sacramental through acts of faith, love and repentance. The power of sacramentals lies in the intercessory prayer of the Church, in the name of which the priest blesses or exorcises people and objects.

No one can perform exorcisms legitimately upon the possessed unless he has obtained special and express permission from the local ordinary. The local ordinary is to give this permission only to a presbyter who has piety, knowledge, prudence, and integrity of life.